Brand Ambassador

About Shinzo Matcha

Matcha is one of the fastest-growing functional beverage subcategories. Most cafés added a matcha option in the past few years, to the point where it’s odd if a café doesn’t offer matcha. Shinzo is making matcha more accessible through ready-to-drink sparkling matchas and single-serve matcha pouches, designed for the rapidly growing crowd switching to matcha for smooth, steady energy.

We are an early-stage, founder-led brand in stores nationwide and growing quickly. New York City is one of our most important markets, and the people we bring on now will help shape how Shinzo shows up here.

The Role

The Brand Ambassador is often a customer's first in-person experience with Shinzo. The role combines hospitality, product education, and intuition to turn sampling moments into lasting brand impressions, and to gather insights that directly inform how we grow.

This is not a clipboard-and-folding-table position. We are looking for someone who can analyze a store, build relationships with decision makers on site, and work a room. Your observations and recommendations will be taken seriously and will shape retail strategy in real time.

Brand Ambassadors operate as independent contractors and work directly with the founding team.

Responsibilities

1. Customer Engagement

Introduce Shinzo's sparkling matchas and pouches through in-store sampling, events, and activations.
Share the brand story clearly and authentically.
Analyze shopper behavior and adjust your engagement style accordingly.
Know when to push for a sale and when to let a sample speak for itself.

2. Retail Relationships

Build rapport with store managers and decision-makers.
Advocate for better demo placement, improved shelf positioning, and overall in-store visibility.
Identify and help open doors to new retail and lifestyle locations.

3. Field Execution and Reporting

Set up and break down sampling stations professionally. Presentation matters.
Submit a brief post-demo recap within 24-48 hours covering sales, customer reactions, manager feedback, and any friction points.
Share useful observations with the founding team so we can adapt strategy quickly to what is actually happening in the field.

Schedule Expectations

Availability for weekend and weekday demos. Timing varies based on store traffic patterns (mornings, afternoons, and evenings).
Approximately 6-10 demos per month during peak season.
Reasonable advance notice for any scheduling changes.

Who We Are Looking For

Prior experience as a brand ambassador, preferably for an established CPG, beverage, or wellness brand.
Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; comfortable speaking with both shoppers on the floor and managers behind the counter.
Confident and persuasive in advocating for what Shinzo needs in-store, whether that means pushing for better demo placement, stronger shelf positioning, or manager buy-in for future visits.
A self-starter who takes ownership and does not need to be managed closely day-to-day.
Proactive in driving sales, opening new doors, and applying your own ideas to help us grow.
Genuine belief in health, wellness, and better-for-you products.

Compensation

Hourly rate commensurate with experience ($20-28/hr) and travel reimbursement.
Performance-based bonus structure tied to new accounts opened. Details to be discussed.

Future Opportunities

This role is designed to evolve. As our NYC footprint grows, strong performers will be considered for expanded responsibilities including helping vet and onboard additional ambassadors, contributing to broader retail and brand strategy, and corresponding compensation increases.

To Apply

Email your resume and a brief introduction to jobs@shinzomatcha.com. In your note, please include:

Brands you have previously represented as an ambassador.
One field observation or insight from a past ambassador role that you found particularly useful in your success.
Your NYC neighborhood and weekly availability.